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Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism

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Dadabhai Naoroji was an Indian political leader, scholar, and writer who is considered to be the father of Indian nationalism. He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress and served as its president three times. Naoroji was also a member of the British Parliament and was the first Indian to be elected to the House of Commons. He was a vocal critic of British rule in India and advocated for Indian independence. Naoroji's writings and speeches helped to inspire a generation of Indian nationalists and contributed to the development of the Indian freedom movement.

Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism

by Dinyar Patel

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Early life and education

Dadabhai Naoroji was born on September 1, 1825, in Bombay, India. He came from a Parsi family of modest means. Naoroji's father was a priest and his mother was a schoolteacher. Naoroji received his early education at the Elphinstone College in Bombay. He then went to England to study at the University of London. Naoroji was a brilliant student and graduated with honors in mathematics and philosophy.

Political career

Naoroji returned to India in 1855 and began his political career. He was elected to the Bombay Municipal Corporation in 1857 and served as its president from 1865 to 1867. Naoroji was also a member of the Bombay Legislative Council from 1885 to 1888. In 1886, Naoroji was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress. He served as its president three times, in 1886, 1893, and 1906. Naoroji was a strong advocate for Indian independence and self-rule. He believed that India had the right to govern itself and that British rule was unjust and oppressive.

In 1892, Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament as the member for Central Finsbury. He was the first Indian to be elected to the House of Commons. Naoroji served in Parliament for three terms, from 1892 to 1895, from 1902 to 1906, and from 1908 to 1910. In Parliament, Naoroji spoke out against British rule in India and advocated for Indian independence. He also worked to improve the lives of Indians in Britain.

Economic theories

Naoroji was not only a political leader but also an economist. He developed a theory of economic drain, which argued that British rule was impoverishing India. Naoroji's theory was based on the fact that India exported more goods to Britain than it imported. This meant that India was losing wealth to Britain. Naoroji's theory of economic drain was influential in the Indian nationalist movement and helped to convince many Indians that British rule was harmful to India.

Legacy

Dadabhai Naoroji was a pioneer of Indian nationalism and a tireless advocate for Indian independence. He was a brilliant scholar, a gifted orator, and a courageous politician. Naoroji's writings and speeches helped to inspire a generation of Indian nationalists and contributed to the development of the Indian freedom movement. Naoroji's legacy continues to inspire Indians today.

Naoroji died on June 30, 1917, in Bombay. He was 91 years old. He is buried in the Parsi cemetery in Bombay.